Catch up on a plan
If you can pay over time, call your treasurer's office about a payment agreement. Virginia allows plans of up to 72 months, which may let you keep the house.
Behind on property taxes in Virginia? Here's how much room you have.
When a Virginia locality can move toward a tax sale, what the notice has to offer you, and how to get ahead of it.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Virginia
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1
Two years, then December 31
In general, a locality can move to sell real estate for taxes still unpaid on December 31 after the second anniversary of their due date. For condemned, derelict, blighted or nuisance property, it's the first anniversary.
Source: Code of Virginia § 58.1-3965
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2
A notice and a payment plan
At least 30 days before going to court, the local tax collector must send notice to your last known address, and to the property if that's different. The notice must tell you that you can ask the treasurer for a payment agreement of up to 72 months.
Source: Code of Virginia § 58.1-3965
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3
A court case, then a sale
The sale goes through a case in the circuit court where the property is, and everyone with an interest, including your mortgage lender, is named. If the house sells, money left after the taxes, interest, fees and costs goes to the former owner or heirs, who have two years to claim it.
Source: Code of Virginia § 58.1-3967
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4
You can redeem before the sale
Up to the date set for the sale, you can stop it by paying all the back taxes, penalties and interest, plus the court costs, publication costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Source: Code of Virginia § 58.1-3974
Your real options
Sell for cash
If the taxes are one of several bills you can't keep up with, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days with no fees or commissions, and the back taxes are typically paid from the sale proceeds at closing.
List it with an agent
If there's time before a court date and the house shows well, listing may net more. We show you both numbers side by side.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains the general rules. It isn't legal advice. Your documents and situation may differ, so talk to your local treasurer's office or an attorney about your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
When can Virginia sell my house for back taxes?
Generally once taxes are still unpaid on December 31 after the second anniversary of their due date, or the first anniversary for condemned, derelict, blighted or nuisance property. The sale goes through the circuit court.
Can I stop a tax sale in Virginia?
Yes, up to the date set for the sale, by paying the back taxes, penalties, interest, costs and reasonable attorney fees. You can also ask the treasurer for a payment agreement of up to 72 months.
Do I get anything if my house is sold for taxes?
Money left after the taxes, interest, fees and costs goes to the former owner or heirs. It has to be claimed within two years.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.